Magic: The Gathering Buying Guide for Beginners

Start With the Game You Want to Play

Your first Magic purchase should give you a way to play with the people around you. Before choosing a set, ask your friends which format they play and whether they already have decks you can borrow. A deck that fits their table will be way better than a deck chosen only for its artwork.

This guide compares the main product types so you can make that decision as new releases arrive. Set names change; the questions to ask stay much the same.

Learning Together: Beginner Boxes

A teaching product is a useful starting point when both players are new. For example, the Beginner Box provides guided games and themed decks that introduce the basics before you start building your own.

Check the exact box contents before buying. A starter collection, booster bundle, and beginner box can all contain cards, but they serve different purposes. Look for a product that explicitly includes the cards and instructions needed for your first games.

Joining a Commander Group: Preconstructed Decks

If your friends play Commander, look for a preconstructed Commander deck. Commander uses a 100-card deck including its commander, with a singleton rule apart from basic lands and specific exceptions. A preconstructed deck gives you a complete starting point for that format.

Ask the group about its preferred power level and expectations before buying upgrades. Play the deck several times, then change cards that consistently feel awkward. Replacing a few cards at a time makes it easier to understand what each upgrade contributes.

A product with “Commander” in its name is not automatically a complete deck. Read the contents: bundles and accessory products may include useful cards without providing a playable deck.

Opening Packs: Play Boosters, Collector Boosters, and Bundles

Choose Play Boosters when you want packs to open or the appropriate packs for a Draft or Sealed event. Confirm the event’s set and product requirements before purchasing supplies.

Collector Boosters focus on collectible treatments and opening experiences. They are an optional collecting purchase, not a requirement for learning the game. Bundle contents vary by release, so compare the listed packs, lands, storage, and extras rather than assuming every bundle is identical.

If you want one particular card, compare the cost of buying that single card with your pack-opening budget. Keep collecting purchases separate from the cards you actually need for a deck.

Quick Casual Games: Jumpstart

Jumpstart is another route into casual play. Compatible Jumpstart packs contain themed half-decks that you combine to make a deck, with lands included. It lets players try combinations without designing a deck from scratch.

Read the product label carefully, and make sure each player has the required packs. A guided beginner product can still be a better fit if neither player knows the basic turn structure.

What to Bring to Your First Game

Bring a complete deck for the agreed format, a way to track life, and any tokens the deck needs. Sleeves and a deck box help protect and organize the cards; a playmat is optional.

Tell the table that you are learning. Ask opponents to explain unfamiliar actions, and keep a short list of rules questions to check after the game. Your first purchase should make that first session easier, not commit you to every new release.

Shop and Play at Salt City Games

Browse Magic products at Salt City Games, compare current listings, and check the event page for the format and schedule before visiting. For a gift, knowing the recipient’s preferred format is more useful than guessing their favorite new set.

Browse Magic: The Gathering: https://saltcitygames.shop/collections/magic-the-gathering

View current events: https://saltcitygames.shop/pages/events

Frequently Asked Questions

What should a new Magic player buy first?

Choose a guided beginner product if you are learning from scratch, or a preconstructed deck for the format your friends play.

Does every Commander product contain a deck?

No. Check the product contents. A preconstructed Commander deck is a complete deck; a bundle may contain packs and extras instead.

Do I need Collector Boosters to play Magic?

No. Collector Boosters are optional collecting products, not a requirement for playing.

Should I buy the newest set?

Choose by your format, goals, and budget. A newer set is not automatically the right first purchase.